Tested a 2016...My $.02.

They have made some subtle changes. The door handles are thicker on the 2016. It looks like the body line right below the windows is sharper (not as rounded as the 2nd gen) & they continued that sharper line vertically up the back side of the window. I highlighted it in the below pic.

 

great review, thx for taking the time to write it up.

 

I agree, I'd much rather have a newer 4.0 liter or 3.5 liter than my current 3.4 liter. To me passing power is what matters more than getting that instant torque feeling going to the rear wheels. Driving my dinosaur Tacoma, I am just used to a pre-CAFE acceleration sensation. Instant power and no delay. I still want a new 2016 Tacoma. Probably more than ever now.
I find it odd they bothered to re-sculpt the doors but did it in such a subtle manner that most people don't even realize it is somewhat different. What really blew me away was the interior and cabin feeling. Made my 2002 feel like the Fred Flintstone mobile.

 

Speaking TFL review, whats taking them so long to review a production 2016? Figured they would have one by now (not talking about the tester last month)

 

Good review. I'd buy one.

 

They typically have to wait for Toyota to provide them one from their press fleet. The 2016 has been out a very short time, but I think accessibility is becoming less of a concern now (cars.com has over 800 in their database at the time of this posting). I imagine it will be soon.

 

Thanks for the write up. I like the quicksand color

 

Ignore is your friend....My list is getting long...with all the wannabe comedians

 

i would buy a 2016 if I could afford it. Sounding like a lot of people, I was actually more impressed with the 2016 when I saw it in person. I wasn't sold on it over my 2011 but I did like it. My wife even said "no way" when I talked about a new truck. But, weirdly enough after we both saw the Quicksand color on the TRD Off road for some reason we both really liked it. For some reason that color combo really looks good in person.

 

I bet the 16 black alloy wheels would look good on it.

 

I forgot to mention how little the salesman knew about the 2016. I know I am a Taco-geek just by being on this forum, but he referred to the engine as an "Atkins motor" and thought told me the ECT engaged the "Atkins cycle". After he found out how much I knew, he toned down the bullshit and started listening to what I was saying the features lol. I told him I eventually want a 2016 DCLB TRD OR and he told me they would not be offering that. I told him they were. He now knows.

 

You've taken BlueD bitterness and turned it up a notch.

 

This is the first time I see the Roof rack/rails on the 2016. Just wanted to point that out.

 

Thanks for the review.

I cant wait to see dyno sheet comparisons on gen 2 vs gen 3. I know many say the 4.0 will have more torque down low but im gonna take a wild guess and say its negligible if at all.

 

Driving sensation of the gen 2 and gen 3 was very similar. I would be very curious to test the manual transmission version of the gen 3. I can't get a DCLB in a manual like I want but I still want to feel how the power delivery is.

 

I see your point in getting the full size. However, a guy like me tows maybe 10 times a year. With only a 3,000 lb trailer. I do think the Tacoma should be able to handle that without being taxed too much. I just hate driving full size trucks around because they are so huge and gaudy looking. Looking forward to see a towing review on this forum.

You are very right. I was not able to dig into the throttle like I would have wanted.

 

I pulled a 4k trailer and had the truck loaded with 4 adults, a puppy and a bedful of gear in my '11 and it towed it just fine. It accelerated up hills that my old 3.4 could only dream of, without the trailer behind it (LOL)

 

That is good to hear. Doubt I would ever load up my Tacoma more than that. I live at 6,000 ft though and cross a 9,000 ft pass and I plan to take it over I70 to Fruita, Co (11k feet) to go mountain biking. That is why I like the Ike Gauntlet tests. They load them to the max and test them. 4k is a lot of weight.

 

I really have a problem paying almost $40,000 for a truck that doesn't have leather interior.

 

Then don't buy one?